Pinstripe Alley - 2016 Yankees Roster Report CardsBig boi dinger enthusiastshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51961/pinstripe_alley_minimal.png2016-10-28T17:00:03-04:00http://www.pinstripealley.com/rss/stream/129146992016-10-28T17:00:03-04:002016-10-28T17:00:03-04:002016 Yankees Roster Report Card: The vaunted 2014 IFA class
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SPcL1yd8tHZPxmsiS-ejKG8jKNM=/31x0:570x359/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51582811/Flames.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Miguel Flames, naturally</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There was a ton of talent in the haul the Yankees brought in two years ago.</p> <p id="oKTAxE">Back in 2014, the Yankees decided to go all-out on the international free agent market. They exceeded the cap and pretty much just signed as many talented teenagers as they could and accepted the penalty, which limited their IFA spending in 2015 and 2016. It was a sensible strategy previously used by the Cubs and Rangers; Gleyber Torres was brought into the Cubs’ organization during their efforts.</p>
<p id="vHj7BE">So it’s time to check in on that 2014 class after the <a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-prospects-minor-leagues/2015/8/27/9215761/yankees-prospects-2014-international-signings-park-flames-gomez-garcia">end-of-2015 update</a>. Most of the players the Yankees signed are still in the low minors and developmentally have a long way to go. Keep in mind that the stat lines do not even come close to telling the whole story about where these players are in terms of progress, particularly down in Rookie ball and the Dominican Summer League.</p>
<p id="4kYi3N">There is too much noise outside the numbers, so I’m abandoning the letter grade approach for these players and simply going with a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” rating. Also note that Wilkerman Garcia was <a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-prospects-minor-leagues/2016/10/12/13246892/yankees-prospects-wilkerman-garcia-review-2016">evaluated separately</a> because he was already on several organizational top tens before the season.</p>
<p id="RYLcOl">To keep this post from being too long, it was mostly to those who signed bonuses of at least $1 million during the signing period. There were <a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2015/9/4/9258319/update-on-the-new-york-yankees-2014-international-class">some other big names</a> in there, like Brayan Emery and Antonio Arias, as well as some under-the-radar ones like Jason Lopez and Freicer Perez, who garnered more attention from analysts like Jim Callis and Keith Law at a later time. (Check out MLB.com’s <a href="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7368295/Freicer_Perez_-_MLB_Pipeline.0.jpg">write-up</a> on Perez too, since he’s a top 30 prospect).</p>
<p id="med4eE">Without further ado:</p>
<p id="eOL50m"><em><strong>Miguel Flames</strong></em></p>
<p id="GEK1Pu"><strong>DOB: </strong>September 14, 1997 (19)</p>
<p id="jGFG0V"><strong>2016 Statistics: </strong>47 G, .263/.310/.338, 7 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 97 wRC+ (GCL)</p>
<p id="j1q8lg"><em>Thumbs down</em></p>
<p id="7OHRFz">This was Miggy Flames’ first exposure to stateside ball after hitting .317/.398/.454 in the Dominican Summer League (DSL) in 2015. There was some hope that he could catch when the Yankees signed him, but most of his time in the field has come at first base since then. While Rookie league fielding stats carry even less weight than hitting, for what it’s worth, Flames did only commit one error at first in 297 chances. A better triple slash would have been nice, and since power is likely going to have to be a major part of his game if he makes it, he gets a thumbs down for now.</p>
<p id="rXXlj9"><em><strong>Jonathan Amundaray</strong></em></p>
<p id="NfRgWJ"><strong>DOB: </strong>May 11, 1998 (18)</p>
<p id="vOZOK8"><strong>2016 Statistics: </strong>29 G, .269/.321/.394, 7 2B, 2 HR, 112 wRC+ (DSL)</p>
<p id="727z4B"><em>Thumbs up</em></p>
<p id="EjC3QS">An injury-shortened 2015 meant that the youngest member of the 2014 IFA class would return to the DSL in 2016. Amundaray had a good showing though, demonstrating all-around talent with a nice skillset that should translate well when he makes his stateside debut next year. He missed another month of play in 2016 though, so his health will have to be closely watched, too.</p>
<p id="i1dV0f"><em><strong>Estevan Florial</strong></em></p>
<p id="9Raogs"><strong>DOB: </strong>November 25, 1997 (18)</p>
<p id="iRWdAa"><strong>2016 Statistics: </strong>60 G, .225/.315/.364, 10 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 92 wRC+ (APP)</p>
<p id="peKf6S"><em>Thumbs up</em></p>
<p id="pSk057">Florial was not originally included in the rest of the 2014 IFA class’s pantheon. He was a much later signing, not joining the Yankees until March 2015 (still in the 2014-15 window) due to <a href="http://nypost.com/2016/02/23/how-a-new-identity-made-one-yankees-prospect-a-rising-star/">complications</a> regarding his birth certificate. The Yankees have said that otherwise they would have given him a comparable bonus, and analysts would have included him with the other elite names. Once he did sign though, it became evident that the kid was something special, so much so that one baseball executive made the nearly unprecedented move to ask for Florial in a trade before he had even played an inning of Rookie ball.</p>
<p id="XyoI9b">Most of Florial’s time in 2016 was spent in the slightly more advanced Appalachian League with Pulaski, though he did make cameos in Low-A Charleston and High-A Tampa—not bad for an 18-year-old. The center fielder showed some nice pop, even homering in Charleston, which is no easy feat. Once a forgotten man, Florial could very well turn out to be the hidden gem of this class.</p>
<div id="H7hJtg"><div><div style="left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RPuVoGOL4JE?wmode=transparent&rel=0&autohide=1&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div></div></div>
<p id="lkHz9m"><em><strong>Nelson Gomez</strong></em></p>
<p id="uXCbJg"><strong>DOB: </strong>October 8, 1997 (19)</p>
<p id="TCXdja"><strong>2016 Statistics: </strong>54 G, .194/.249/.403, 11 2B, 1 3B, 9 HR, 92 wRC+ (GCL)</p>
<p id="oEOXBN"><em>Thumbs up</em></p>
<p id="g6Lxev">Gomez was just about as close to a thumbs down as one could imagine because if it wasn’t for one major factor, it would have been a step down. The third baseman had a .785 OPS in the DSL in 2015 and even displayed a good eye at the plate. In 2016 though, his batting average sunk below .200 and he walked in just 3.8% of his appearances. However, after leading the DSL in homers last year with 11, he was second in the GCL with nine. Gomez managed to slug over .400 despite his other stats. Higher levels will be tougher to handle and it’s unclear if he’ll stay at third, but at least the power carried over stateside. He’s working on improving his game in the instructional league anyway.</p>
<p id="WJbZaF"><em><strong>Juan De Leon</strong></em></p>
<p id="GVfb23"><strong>DOB: </strong>September 13, 1997 (19)</p>
<p id="HJY2A9"><strong>2016 Statistics: </strong>12 G, .212/.308/.364, 2 2B, 1 HR, 103 wRC+ (GCL)</p>
<p id="RshLmv"><em>Thumbs down</em></p>
<p id="LF2GHq">De Leon had a lot of buzz when he was signed, and when he was still at FanGraphs before joining the Braves, Kiley McDaniel called him his “<a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/evaluating-the-prospects-new-york-yankees/">favorite prospect</a>” of the Yankees’ 2014 additions. He seemed okay last year, but then in his first taste of Rookie ball this year, he was limited to just 12 games. The outfielder played for about two weeks before an unknown injury knocked him out for a little over a month and a half, sending his 2016 into disarray, though he did return at the end of August. So the Yankees will have to effectively hit the refresh button on De Leon and hope he stays healthy in 2017 back in the GCL, or perhaps the Appy League.</p>
<p id="alIys4"><em><strong>Dermis Garcia</strong></em></p>
<p id="cRC3eL"><strong>DOB: </strong>January 7, 1998 (18)</p>
<p id="GpF1iG"><strong>2016 Statistics: </strong>57 G, .206/.326/.454, 9 2B, 13 HR, 114 wRC+ (APP)</p>
<p id="PDb9xP"><em>Thumbs up</em></p>
<p id="gRhiAW">Garcia’s case is somewhat like the one of Gomez, except at a higher level and a slightly younger age. Already in Pulaski, the third baseman was terrific, finishing second in the Appy League in homers with 13, albeit while also not producing a ton of contact. He struck out in a little over a third of his plate appearances, though unlike Gomez he had the plate discipline to walk 13.9% of the time and keep his OBP respectable. Garcia’s on the right track anyway, so in the meantime until his likely move up to Charleston or Staten Island, enjoy footage of him literally displaying “light tower power.”</p>
<div id="eqdZvi">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's that Dermis Garcia HR that hit the light tower the other day: <a href="https://t.co/3o2uN5axQG">https://t.co/3o2uN5axQG</a></p>— Josh Norris (@jnorris427) <a href="https://twitter.com/jnorris427/status/762760941310050304">August 8, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="BfRRuD"><em><strong>Hoy Jun Park</strong></em></p>
<p id="lw9P9r"><strong>DOB: </strong>April 7, 1996 (20)</p>
<p id="TmGRSU"><strong>2016 Statistics: </strong>116 G, .225/.336/.329, 15 2B, 12 3B, 2 HR, 97 wRC+ (Low-A)</p>
<p id="UUXEGd"><em>Thumbs down</em></p>
<p id="XJeIpC">A native of South Korea, Park was the oldest member of the 2014 class and thus moved at a quicker pace than the rest of his fellow international signings. He debuted in Pulaski, hit .239/.351/.383 with 109 wRC+, and <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/hoy-jun-park-stands-pulaski/">was profiled</a> by <em>Baseball America</em>. After all that, his 2016 fell a little flat up in Charleston. He did lead the Sally League with 12 triples and stole 32 bases as well, but the rest of his offensive output was only adequate, even at shortstop.</p>
<p id="cZiURL">Park’s shakiness wasn’t a result of the home park either, as he struggled on the road and also didn’t improve much in the second half. The up-the-middle positions in the Yankees’ system is pretty crowded right now, and while Park was fine, he didn’t do much to stand out. Since he saw some time at second too, perhaps he makes it to The Show one day, but it might just be in a bench role. Triple are cool at least!</p>
<div id="uLkgbK"><div><div style="left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5ZsizEfsmaI?wmode=transparent&rel=0&autohide=1&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div></div></div>
<p id="jPL5Xc"><em><strong>Diego Castillo</strong></em></p>
<p id="1w8j2Z"><strong>DOB: </strong>October 28, 1997 (19)</p>
<p id="BFezLp"><strong>2016 Statistics: </strong>44 G, .267/.332/.327, 7 2B, 1 HR, 102 wRC+ (GCL)</p>
<p id="Ndhmgp"><em>Thumbs up</em></p>
<p id="iOhdUi">Add another shortstop prospect to the mix, though one who signed for a little below $1 million. The birthday boy’s 130 wRC+ in the DSL did not quite translate in Rookie ball, but it was fine overall. He is a strong defender up the middle anyway, so like Kyle Holder a couple rungs above him, that will be his calling card if he makes it to the majors. That makes up for a so-so bat this year to receive a passing grade.</p>
<p id="VoxQmO"></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-prospects-minor-leagues/2016/10/28/13447950/yankees-2016-season-review-prospects-2014-international-free-agents-signingsAndrew Mearns2016-10-28T09:00:06-04:002016-10-28T09:00:06-04:002016 Yankees Roster Report Card: Miscellaneous hitters
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5BywKzuX59bLO7Ay26MV-UQ5m4w=/944x0:2756x1208/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51565435/usa-today-9559397.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How did the rest of the hitters on the active roster fare in 2016?</p> <p id="szXwYp">The 2016 <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> had some good players and some bad players. For this series we broke each player down in their own articles, but there are still a few who didn’t contribute enough to stand on their own. Instead we’re lumping these six position players—the best of the rest—will be lumped together right here. </p>
<p id="z1kFOm"><span><em><strong>Dustin Ackley</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="kBOS8X"><strong>Grade:</strong> D</p>
<p id="standard_batting"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 28 G, 70 PA, .148/.243/.148</p>
<p id="IBWTqc">Normally it would be impossible to judge someone in such a small sample size, but for this article we are making an exception. This season was supposed to be Ackley’s big chance to change his career around. Instead, the Yankees traded for <span>Starlin Castro</span>. As a result, Ackley sat on the bench most days, cycling through first base, second base, and right field. He suffered a labrum tear in his shoulder by the end of May and missed the rest of the season. At least he contributed an incredibly good catch at the wall, even if the Yankees ended up losing the game in the end.</p>
<div id="tGZDwT">
<iframe id="3f3f3" data-src="https://securea.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=661466183&topic_id=8878548&property=mlb&" data-aspect="1.7857" style="width:100%" frameborder="0"></iframe><script>(function(){var f=document.getElementById("3f3f3"),a=parseFloat(f.getAttribute('data-aspect')),w=f.offsetWidth,h=Math.round(w/a),s=f.getAttribute('data-src');f.removeAttribute('id');s+='width='+w+'&height='+h;f.setAttribute('src',s);f.style.height=h+'px';})();</script>
</div>
<p id="xrHKTZ"><span><em><strong>Billy Butler</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="KrrB1C"><strong>Grade:</strong> B</p>
<p id="batting_standard"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 85 G, 242 PA, .276/.331/.403, 4 HR, 31 RBI (OAK)<br>12 G, 32 PA .345/.375/.517, 1 HR, 4 RBI (NYY)</p>
<p id="gZeuln">The original three-year, $30 million contract that Oakland signed Butler to never really worked out, but that doesn’t mean he was totally useless either. He was released by the <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics</a> in September after news of a clubhouse altercation with teammate <span>Danny Valencia</span> left him with a concussion. The Yankees, still pretending they were in the playoff hunt at the time, signed Butler for the league minimum, and though the move was much maligned, it ended up being a nice little pickup. </p>
<p id="FX415w"><span><em><strong>Ike Davis</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="JILue6"><strong>Grade:</strong> D-</p>
<p id="ILbjVn"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 8 G, 15 PA, .214/.267/.214, RBI (NYY)<br>65 G, 270 PA, .248/.337/.419, 9 HR, 41 RBI (AAA)</p>
<p id="rxBKP2">Following the loss of Ackley, Davis was just one of many cast-offs brought in to play first base while <span>Mark Teixeira</span>’s season hung in the balance. Signed by the <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a> in the offseason, he was eventually released in June before catching on with the Yankees. He spent a nondescript week in the majors before getting sent down to Scranton where he remained for the rest of the season.</p>
<p id="KCaXOS"><span><em><strong>Chris Parmelee</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="7eOVPW"><strong>Grade:</strong> D+</p>
<p id="WQrjaT"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 6 G, 8 PA, .500/.500/1.375, 2 HR, 4 RBI (NYY)<br>64 G, 245 PA, .248/.335/.449, 11 HR, 29 RBI (AAA)</p>
<p id="DD1erC">Parmelee was one of those Non-Roster Invitees you never think you’re going to see in the big leagues. When Teixeira and Ackley went down with injuries, the Yankees were suddenly in need of a new first baseman. He spent a handful of games with the team, highlighted by a two-home run, three-RBI performance that really helped the Yankees out. Of course, in keeping with the theme of the 2016 season, Parmelee had his leg stepped on in his very next game and he was sidelined for two months. By the time he was healthy again he was no longer needed.</p>
<p id="XVOj2M"><span><em><strong>Donovan Solano</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="YNMtrd"><strong>Grade:</strong> C+</p>
<p id="IwyCwk"><strong>2016 Statistics: </strong>9 G, 23 PA, .227/.261/.455, HR, 2 RBI (NYY)<br>131 G, 546 PA, .319/.349/.436, 7 HR, 67 RBI (AAA)</p>
<p id="QFgQOs">Another Non-Roster Invitee, Solano was a late addition to the major league club after Starlin Castro went down with a hamstring injury in September. He served as a reliable bat in the Scranton lineup all season long, doing everything a team could ask of an organizational filler. Despite his status as a Quad-A player, he deserved the promotion, even if it was ultimately meaningless. </p>
<p id="lZrtlz"><span><em><strong>Eric Young</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="yLYg6p"><strong>Grade:</strong> C</p>
<p id="4dqjnb"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 6 G, 1 PA, 1 SB (NYY)<br>116 G, 329 PA, .263/.338/.339, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 23 SB (AAA)</p>
<p id="ncC8Vf">Smelling a shot at the playoffs, the Yankees acquired Young to serve primarily as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. Unfortunately, the team blew any chance they had before they ever had much of a chance to use their new weapon. </p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-analysis-sabermetrics/2016/10/28/13446208/yankees-season-review-roster-report-card-billy-butler-dustin-ackley-ike-davis-chris-parmeleeJason Cohen2016-10-27T15:00:03-04:002016-10-27T15:00:03-04:002016 Yankees Roster Report Card: Mason Williams
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BlyHHX5uyIzvvhMteVzE3DOjaOU=/0x233:2437x1858/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51555845/usa-today-9573850.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Mason Williams made it back from surgery at the end of the year, but questions about his future remain.</p> <p id="m7m83B"><strong>Grade:</strong> C</p>
<p id="SO9u74"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> Triple-A - 31 games, .296/.313/.376, 1 SB, 93 wRC+ MLB - 12 games, .296/.321/.333, 77 wRC+</p>
<p id="RZytTP"><strong>2017 Roster Status:</strong> Under team control, on the 40-man roster</p>
<p id="ELCbf1">Mason Williams looked pretty good in his first taste of the big leagues in 2015, but a shoulder injury ended his season and cost him the vast majority of 2016. Once Williams was finally healthy again, other options, like Aaron Judge, were ready and more desirable to use in a regular role.</p>
<p id="UnNwRM">The Yankees kept Williams kicking around Triple-A for 31 games where he barely walked and hit for virtually no power. The power thing isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as that hasn’t been a huge part of Williams’ game, but walking only 3.6% of the time won’t cut it as a big leaguer with his skill set.</p>
<p id="Dk7GoB">Mason did get a short stint back in the majors for 12 games, but the story was pretty much the same. His average alone looked pretty decent, but the other two numbers that make up his triple slash left quite a bit to be desired. His base stealing ability has also dried up over time which further limits his value offensively.</p>
<p id="KlGV7U">Defensively, Williams continues to be an asset. Unfortunately, that seems to be his one above average quality at this point. Maybe he will improve his numbers at the plate if he manages to put together a full, healthy season, but he’s going to need to prove he can do that soon.</p>
<p id="rJaHsP">Unless Williams can make the necessary improvements, he could be destined to be nothing more than a defensive replacement. The Yankees have so many other, better outfield options at this point. With Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner under control and Judge, Clint Frazier, and others knocking on the door, it’s hard to see where Mason fits into the team’s future plans right now.</p>
<p id="Ajpdb1">It’s a bit sad to see Williams’ stock as low as it is right now because of all the promise there was before. Injuries have certainly taken their toll, as well as numbers naturally not being as shiny once the competition the prospect faces improves. If Williams is destined to be a fourth outfielder type, he’ll have plenty of competition with the Yankees. Maybe there is still hope for more, if only because of what there once was, but that light is definitely fading.</p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2016/10/27/13438754/yankees-prospects-mason-williams-2016-reviewTanyaAnderson2016-10-27T13:12:54-04:002016-10-27T13:12:54-04:002016 Yankees Roster Report Card: Miscellaneous pitchers
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ld8V7ogVZtGD1UnLmqDf-xi3iE8=/0x0:4737x3158/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51555311/usa-today-9524254.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How did the rest of the pitchers on the active roster fare in 2016?</p> <p id="yive7C">There is one last group of <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> pitchers at the MLB level who have yet to be reviewed in this series. So they’re all getting knocked out in one fell swoop with shorter evaluations. They are all either rookies or simply pre-arbitration eligible, so the 2017 roster status category is omitted. It’s unclear how many of these players will be with the Yankees in spring training 2017 anyway.</p>
<p id="nNqh58"><span>Jacob Lindgren</span>, <span>Branden Pinder</span>, <span>Nick Rumbelow</span>, and <span>Conor Mullee</span> were not included since they all ended up in the same boat, going down with season-ending elbow operations. <span>Kirby Yates</span>, <span>Blake Parker</span>, and <span>Anthony Swarzak</span> have all <a href="http://m.yankees.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2016/10">departed</a> the organization already. (For the record, Swarzak still gets a big fat F.)</p>
<p id="XmiBhI">Without further ado, in order of Yankees appearances:</p>
<p id="ozemN4"><span><em><strong>Chasen Shreve</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="kBOS8X"><strong>Grade:</strong> D-</p>
<p id="ZgtdAZ"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 37 G, 33 IP, 5.18 ERA, 5.75 FIP, 9.0 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, 1.27 WHIP (MLB)<br>13 G, 16 <sup>2</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> IP, 1.62 ERA, 2.81 FIP, 10.8 K/9, 3.8 BB/9, 0.66 WHIP (AAA)</p>
<p id="jMiiRM">It is really a shame what happened to Shreve over the past 14 months. The lefty had a 1.89 ERA through the end of August last year, got annihilated in September, and hoping for a rebound in 2016, saw his season turn into a complete wash. Few players at the big league level were fooled, and instead of sticking around the full campaign, he made several trips on the Scranton Shuttle. The only factors saving Shreve’s grade from an F were his strikeout totals and fine Triple-A numbers in limited action. He will have a lot to prove in 2017 to simply win a bullpen spot.</p>
<p id="GXMsrY"><span><em><strong>Tommy Layne</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="vzH0OP"><strong>Grade:</strong> B</p>
<p id="x1Itw4"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 63 G, 44 2/3 IP, 3.63 ERA, 3.93 FIP, 7.7 K/9, 4.2 BB/9, 1.30 WHIP (MLB)<br>29 G, 16 IP, 3.38 ERA, 4.83 FIP, 7.3 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, 1.06 WHIP (NYY)</p>
<p id="tOLmVj">The <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a> simply let Layne go at the beginning of August and the Yankees quickly scooped him up. He surprisingly turned out to be perfectly serviceable. He wasn’t exactly a comfortable bullpen option for Joe Girardi, but to his credit, only 20 percent of his inherited runners scored and lefties only managed a .571 OPS against him. At age 31, Layne may or may not return in 2017, but we’ll always have that one tremendous defensive play and big save to keep the team in contention a little while longer.</p>
<div id="MjIeAT"><div><div style="left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fDMlVEDK4kI?wmode=transparent&rel=0&autohide=1&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div></div></div>
<p id="knYtSh"><span><em><strong>Nick Goody</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="LxewJH"><strong>Grade:</strong> C</p>
<p id="3pDdeq"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 27 G, 29 IP, 4.66 ERA, 5.28 FIP, 10.6 K/9, 3.7 BB/9, 1.45 WHIP (MLB)<br>18 G, 23 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> IP, 1.93 ERA, 2.91 FIP, 13.5 K/9, 1.5 BB/9, 0.69 WHIP; 1.0 NICE (AAA)</p>
<p id="VlVnpw">At the very least, <span>Goody</span> did not go down with Tommy John surgery like so many of his minor league bullpen teammates. Then again, he already had the procedure done in 2013. The superlative numbers from Triple-A did not translate to the majors last year, and that trend unfortunately continued in 2016. There was some hope that perhaps Goody could pitch well enough to earn a middle relief spot, but he never really got it going. He oddly <a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/2016/9/22/13004956/yankees-bullpen-nick-goody-2016-season">did not pitch</a> after September 2nd, though he later left the team early due to a “<a href="https://twitter.com/chadjennings22/status/781216925636554752">personal/family issue</a>,” so perhaps that was a factor.</p>
<p id="5GagZA"><span><em><strong>Richard Bleier</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="ZLZyyq"><strong>Grade:</strong> B</p>
<p id="vGXN3e"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 23 G, 23 IP, 1.96 ERA, 2.67 FIP, 5.1 K/9, 1.6 BB/9, 1.04 WHIP (MLB)<br>12 G, 58 IP, 3.72 ERA, 3.38 FIP, 3.9 K/9, 1.7 BB/9, 1.33 WHIP (AAA)</p>
<p id="6W827u">Like Layne, <span>Bleier</span> was a older bullpen option who was perfectly adequate in relief at the major league level after some time in the Scranton rotation. A 29-year-old rookie, the southpaw held lefties to a horrific .150/.209/.200 against him in 45 plate appearances, which alone is almost enough to push him up into decent grading territory. The sparkly 1.96 ERA was a bit of an illusion though, as Bleier did allow 60 percent of his inherited runners to score (granted, it was six of ten, but this whole sample is small anyway). Still, the MLB results matter, and a 1.04 WHIP is certainly a fine job.</p>
<p id="VlK8gr"><span><em><strong>Johnny Barbato</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="TANQuI"><strong>Grade:</strong> D-</p>
<p id="3sE4BR"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 13 G, 13 IP, 7.62 ERA, 4.45 FIP, 10.4 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, 1.39 WHIP (MLB)<br>31 G, 48 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> IP, 2.61 ERA, 3.44 FIP, 9.1 K/9, 4.3 BB/9, 1.26 WHIP (AAA)</p>
<p id="NTaiJw">The right-hander impressed in spring training and was on the Opening Day roster, but after a strong first several appearances, the Red Sox and <a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Orioles</a> hit him hard. He was demoted after May 8th, making just one more outing in the big leagues the rest of the year. In said outing on August 5th, he faced four Cleveland batters, retired none, allowed three runs, and was dismissed to such a degree that he was not even a September call-up. Ouch. Hopefully it was just <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=barbajo01&t=p&year=2016">a few bad days</a> for the 24-year-old, but like Shreve, he has his work cut out finding a bullpen role next year.</p>
<p id="xdjUns"><span><em><strong>James Pazos</strong></em></span></p>
<p id="CtlMXE"><strong>Grade:</strong> D</p>
<p id="26lroJ"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 7 G, 3 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> IP, 13.50 ERA, 10.05 FIP, 8.1 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 2.40 WHIP (MLB)<br>23 G, 27 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> IP, 2.63 ERA, 2.73 FIP, 13.5 K/9, 6.3 BB/9, 1.39 WHIP</p>
<p id="ZoKs2u">For some reason, Hal Steinbrenner once called <span>Pazos</span> “<a href="http://nypost.com/2015/12/17/yankees-hope-this-lefty-prospect-can-back-up-untouchable-tag/">untouchable</a>.” It was an odd remark for a relief prospect, no matter how strong he looked. In 2016, he had no control of the strike zone whatsoever early on and only somewhat regained it in the minors after a two-month stint on the DL. The Yankees gave him another shot in September as a LOOGY option, but it wasn’t pretty. So it’s back to square one for the big lefty.</p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-analysis-sabermetrics/2016/10/27/13154846/yankees-pitchers-2016-season-review-roster-report-card-bullpenAndrew Mearns2016-10-26T11:00:04-04:002016-10-26T11:00:04-04:002016 Yankees Roster Report Card: Tyler Wade
<figure>
<img alt="Minor League Baseball: Arizona Fall League-Scottsdale Scorpions at Glendale Desert Dogs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CY-1B_molgTYT0c-NFEJxRc4ZdU=/0x229:3219x2375/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51521363/usa-today-9605968.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After struggling mightily in a taste of Double-A last season, how has Tyler Wade fared in 2016?</p> <p id="IP5f17"><strong>Grade:</strong> B</p>
<p id="DVcqYJ"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 133 G, 583 PA, .259/.353/.349, 5 HR, 27 SB, 11.3 BB%, 17.7% K%</p>
<p id="aYpAqc"><strong>2017 Roster Status:</strong> Double-A/Non-40 </p>
<p id="bEqv7z">Over the past year or so, and likely for the next year or so, you’re probably going to hear the words ‘under-the-radar,’ ‘sleeper,’ and ‘breakout’ associated with Tyler Wade. But, I’m here to tell you he’s none of these things. This isn’t a knock on Wade, either, as you’ll see in a moment. The 21-year old is a very solid prospect by all accounts, and Wade carries an exciting profile that Yankees fans should be thrilled to have in the farm system. That said, calling him a breakout prospect would simply be wrong. </p>
<p id="e22BRw">Instead, it makes more sense to associate Wade with a less catchy, but more accurate phrase: underrated, with unspectacular minor league numbers that won’t land him on top prospect lists, but a set of tools that should allow him to be a productive big league starter. That just about covers what you need to know about Wade, but let’s dive into some of the details on the 2013 fourth round pick.</p>
<p id="oDKPCo">Wade had a true breakout season in 2014, as a 19-year-old in his first taste of full season ball. The lefty hit .272/.350/.349 with a home run and 22 stolen bases over 129 games, launching himself into ‘actual prospect’ status for the Yankees. He continued his excellent play in 2015 at High-A—despite being young for the level, Wade easily handled the opposition to the tune of a .280/.349/.353 line and 31 stolen bases. He was given a cup of coffee at Double-A, which is where the success finally stopped. Normally a player with very good plate discipline, Wade walked just twice in 117 plate appearances (1.7% walk rate) while hitting .204. </p>
<p id="pQe21H">Luckily, Wade bounced back this season in a big way, walking 11.3% of the time while hitting .259/.353/.349 with five home runs and 27 stolen bases. He also drove in 27 runs while scoring 90 times, which is interesting, if not completely meaningless. Although the final slash line was nothing eye-popping—which is why you probably won’t see Wade ranked on top-100 prospect lists anytime soon—context is important. Wade is just 21, more than three years younger than the average Double-A player, and is a speedy lefty hitting shortstop. He doesn’t need to be a force in the middle of a lineup to be a big league starter. </p>
<p id="ypJtZr">I may have lied about one thing, though…Wade isn’t necessarily a shortstop. While many scouts agree that he has the tools and makeup to play solid defense at the six-spot at the highest level, you may have noticed that the Yankees’ system isn’t exactly lacking in shortstop prospects. As Wade has shot through the system, he has passed other shortstops, including Abiatal Avelino and Jorge Mateo, and has spent time at second base in order to accommodate everyone. With the addition of Gleyber Torres, versatility will be key for Wade to make it through the system. </p>
<p id="CdUuYt">Despite spending the majority of his time last year at shortstop (91 games there compared to 38 at second base), Wade has played centerfield exclusively during his time in the Arizona Fall League. This isn’t to say that he’s now an outfielder, but instead, he might just have another notch in his belt with the ability to play the outfield, along with second base and shortstop. In a best case scenario, this could speed Wade’s promotion to the big leagues, since the team lacks a (young) true centerfielder. He could also serve in a valuable role as a super utility player.</p>
<p id="B5Swjd">Of course, I should mention that Tyler Wade has a lower batting average and slugging percentage than Tim Tebow in the AFL. But, he reportedly looks spent after a full season in the minor leagues and performances in the AFL have little weight unless you really want them to (see: Gary Sanchez in 2015, Greg Bird in 2014). </p>
<p id="7z6YOB">It’s prudent to ignore the offensive numbers on offense, though, and just focus on the whole package we’re now seeing with Wade. He’s a versatile player who could play three positions up the middle while contributing league average offense (a solid average and on base percentage, albeit with little power) and excellent baserunning skills. Toss in makeup that Yankees’ officials continually rave about and a solid track record of success, and you’re looking at an average big league starter, with a high floor as an extremely useful utility man. The numbers might not stand out, but Wade could soon emerge as a sneakily productive big league player. </p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-prospects-minor-leagues/2016/10/26/13412848/yankees-prospects-tyler-wade-season-review-roster-report-cardBenDiamond2016-10-26T09:00:03-04:002016-10-26T09:00:03-04:002016 Yankees Roster Report Card: Adam Warren
<figure>
<img alt="New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UqZtwdmlB9cO0EZv5lx4ZP7E5QQ=/0x0:4435x2957/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51511437/610456240.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A fan favorite returns from Chicago to help the Yankees down the stretch.</p> <p id="kBOS8X"><strong>Grade:</strong> C</p>
<p id="ZgtdAZ"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 58 G, 65.1 IP, 7.17 K/9, 3.99 BB/9, 4.68 ERA, 5.12 FIP, -0.5 fWAR</p>
<p id="tkU5hP"><strong>2017 Roster Status:</strong> Arbitration eligible through 2018, on the 40-man roster</p>
<p id="bZo5X0">It really was a tale of two seasons for Adam Warren. The 29 year-old reliever who was sent over to the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> in the <span>Starlin Castro</span> deal and then sent back to the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> in the <span>Aroldis Chapman</span> trade, saw his performance virtually flip after each trade.</p>
<p id="knA2Qk">Coincidentally, he had the exact same number of appearances for the Cubs and Yankees this season, and they couldn’t be more starkly contrasted. For the Cubs, he tossed 35 innings and put up a 5.91 ERA, 4.89 BB/9, and 16.7 HR/FB%. Why so bad? It’s unclear. His velocity was relatively <a href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/velo.php?player=476589&b_hand=-1&gFilt=&pFilt=FA%7CSI%7CFC%7CCU%7CSL%7CCS%7CKN%7CCH%7CFS%7CSB&time=month&startDate=01/01/2016&endDate=10/25/2016&s_type=2">consistent</a>, as were the <a href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/velo.php?player=476589&b_hand=-1&gFilt=&pFilt=FA%7CSI%7CFC%7CCU%7CSL%7CCS%7CKN%7CCH%7CFS%7CSB&time=month&minmax=ci&var=pfx_x&s_type=2&startDate=01/01/2016&endDate=10/25/2016">horizontal </a>and <a href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/velo.php?player=476589&b_hand=-1&gFilt=&pFilt=FA%7CSI%7CFC%7CCU%7CSL%7CCS%7CKN%7CCH%7CFS%7CSB&time=month&minmax=ci&var=pfx_z&s_type=2&startDate=01/01/2016&endDate=10/25/2016">vertical</a> movement on his pitches. The problem, then, might have been due to his pitch selection and command.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nMEXDb9otxKenZkRP7kNQo-hwN4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7342395/Brooksbaseball-Chart.png">
</figure>
<p id="pCGpCg">For the Cubs Warren relied mostly on a healthy mix of fastballs, changeups, and sliders, while on the Yankees he focused on fastballs, sliders, and curveballs, effectively scrapping the changeup entirely. Would that really make the difference? It’s unclear. FanGraphs had the changeup as his most valuable offering by pitch value, and his hard-hit ball profile is almost identical between his career average, the Cubs in the first half, and the Yankees in the second half. Nonetheless, the difference in performance was enormous: for the Yankees, he pitched to a 3.26 ERA/4.30 FIP in 30.1 innings, which was especially important given the loss of Chapman and <span>Andrew Miller</span>.</p>
<p id="kUu1Vz">If anything, a lot of Warren’s troubles could be a sample size issue. It is just 65.1 innings on the season, after all, and that leads to considerable volatility in season totals. The only things we know is that he walked more batters, and seemingly mixed around his repertoire after the trade deadline deal. Based on that, and the fact his command was a bit better in New York, there’s some optimism that he can continue his second half play next year.</p>
<p id="dDlYPZ">Warren is slated to be in the mix for the late-innings options next year, and I think he deserves a shot at the seventh inning role. Considering the value he has given the Yankees from 2013 to 2015, it’s clear that he <em>can</em> be a valuable piece. He also has some history starting, and he could get another chance in the rotation, depending on the starting pitching situation during spring training. The question, really, is: was the first half of the season a blip, or an indication of where his career is heading?</p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-analysis-sabermetrics/2016/10/26/13403118/yankees-adam-warren-2016-season-review-roster-report-cardMatt Provenzano2016-10-25T11:00:03-04:002016-10-25T11:00:03-04:002016 Yankees Roster Report Card: Luis Torrens
<figure>
<img alt="New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d_AfeAgxn4-6IhKENA28NohAG50=/0x1895:3456x4199/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51505807/452058528.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After missing all of 2015, the twenty-year-old catcher returned in 2016 as a top Yankees prospect</p> <p id="IP5f17"><strong>Grade:</strong> B</p>
<p id="DVcqYJ"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> 52 G, 214 PA, .250/.350/.337, 2 HR, 33 K, 26 BB, threw out 39% of base stealers</p>
<p id="ej2Pt0"><strong>2017 Roster Status:</strong> Single-A/Non-40</p>
<p id="lp7yWe">Luis Torrens was born during Derek Jeter’s rookie season. 16 years later, the Yankees signed Torrens out of Venezuela (where he was born) and converted him into a catcher. In 2013, as a 17 year old, he played in rookie ball, showing off good defense and a strong arm. Torrens only slugged .299 that year, but it was still enough to raise his profile in the organization.</p>
<p id="6Uzii0">Torrens spent most of 2014 playing for the Staten Island Yankees, where he was approximately three years younger than his competition. In 202 plate appearances there, he hit .270/.327/.405. Torrens continued to show off a strong arm, throwing out 42% of potential base stealers that season. His defense, combined with his offensive potential, put Torrens on the Yankees’ radar as a potential future star.</p>
<p id="cSNWUh">2015 was supposed to be the next big step in Torrens’ development but it wasn’t meant to be. He had shoulder surgery in the offseason and missed the entire year. Although it was a disappointment, Torrens was only 19 years old, and had years left to get healthy and develop, so the Yankees weren’t worried about his injury long term at that point.</p>
<p id="gHYV22">In 2016, Torrens finally returned to game action. In 12 games at Staten Island, he hit a blistering .311/.360/.400 before moving up to Charleston where he .230/.348/.317. By August, Torrens had performed well enough that Pinstripe Alley <a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-prospects-minor-leagues/2016/8/5/12389504/yankees-prospects-midseason-rankings-clint-frazier-gleyber-torres-aaron-judge">ranked him</a> 13th in the Yankees organization. MLB had <a href="http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2016?list=nyy">this</a> to say about him in their prospect list:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="B2NxoJ">An advanced hitter for his age, Torrens already shows a willingness to work counts and use the entire field. He used his downtime last year to add strength and get in better shape, so he may begin to realize his 15-homer potential from the right side of the plate.</p>
<p id="HvdE2G">While he can't match Gary Sanchez's lofty offensive ceiling, Torrens is better behind the plate. He already had a plus arm when he signed and quickly learned the footwork and transfer he needed as a catcher, enabling him to erase 41 percent of base stealers in his first two pro seasons.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="9povwT">It was a short season for Torrens but the important thing is that the 20-year-old catcher is fully recovered from his injury and is ready to show the Yankees what he can do. Torrens will most likely start 2017 at Low-A. The Yankees haven’t been hesitant to challenge their young prospects lately though, so it might not be long before he’s in Double-A. Even if his bat never fully develops, a strong defensive catcher is always a valuable asset.</p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2016/10/25/13387784/2016-yankees-roster-report-card-luis-torrens-catching-prospects-up-and-comingadgilfillan2016-10-25T09:00:03-04:002016-10-25T09:00:03-04:002016 Yankees Roster Report Card: Ronald Torreyes
<figure>
<img alt="New York Yankees v Oakland Athletics" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uv6uuDzst4PzTGPp4vG8IBHduRI=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51501891/533135694.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Are you there, God? It’s me, Ronald. | Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Perhaps the most impressive fact of 2016 was that “Toe” was on the active roster for 162 games.</p> <p id="FSP5wS"><strong>Grade: </strong>B-</p>
<p id="xCBuoS"><strong>2016 Statistics:</strong> .258/.305/.374, 7 doubles, 4 triples, .116 ISO, 81 wRC+</p>
<p id="pLB1f5"><strong>2017 Roster Status:</strong> Under team control, on the 40-man roster</p>
<p id="Cio7o8">Coming into 2016, the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> had a need for someone who could backup <span>Didi Gregorius</span> and <span>Chase Headley</span> at shortstop and third base respectively. Shortstop wasn’t too much of an issue because <span>Starlin Castro</span> could have easily slid in there if something happened to Gregorius (the <span>Rob Refsnyder</span> is backing up shortstop by backing up second base offseason theory). However, it’s still not an ideal situation to have a starter at one position be the primary backup of another position. So the Yankees struck a deal with the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and brought Torreyes and <span>Tyler Olson</span> to the system in exchange for <span>Rob Segedin</span>. </p>
<p id="no6Fqe">After the Yankees acquired him from the Dodgers, the team ended up placing him on waivers to make room for <span>Lane Adams</span> only to designate Adams and <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/02/yankees-claim-ronald-torreyes-dfa-lane-adams.html">claim Torreyes</a> on waivers from the <a href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a> a week after. </p>
<blockquote><p id="To1JWI">That, of course, is in addition to the fact that Torreyes began the 2015 season with Houston before being traded to the <a href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Blue Jays</a> and later traded to the Dodgers. All told, he’s been a part of five organizations in the past eight and a half months alone.</p></blockquote>
<p id="CYYxMU">Basically it had been a roller coaster ride for Torreyes, and the expectation was that it would probably continue with the Yankees. After all, he was a career minor leaguer who just bounced around. Yet with the Yankees, he found his niche. Rob Refsnyder’s facial defense method caused him to be sent to the minors and <span>Pete Kozma</span> was, well, Pete Kozma. After exhausting <a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-spring-training-prospects-roster/2016/3/30/11329804/yankees-spring-training-roster-cuts-statistics-austin-romine-rob-refsnyder">all other options</a> to backup third base, Torreyes ended winning the job and getting a spot on the <a href="http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2016/03/yankees_name_last_infield_spot_on_25-man_roster.html">Opening Day roster</a>. </p>
<blockquote><p id="FCU33f">Girardi said of Torreyes, "I thought he swung the bat well, he played good defense. He runs the bases. He does all the things that he needs to do."</p></blockquote>
<p id="ppY6xl">After making the Opening Day roster, Torreyes was tearing up the league. Granted, he hit well in three games but the impatient nature of sports fans had people calling for him to take Chase Headley’s job as the starter. Collecting six hits in those three games, Torreyes’ slash line was .667/.667/1.000 while Headley wasn’t really doing anything at that time. Unsurprisingly, Torreyes did not keep up that level of play. As the season continued, Headley picked up the pace and started hitting well enough, while Torreyes hit as expected so his playing time diminished. </p>
<p id="span_stats">Even though he was completely healthy, Torreyes only saw himself get into five games in the month of June, and didn’t even start two of those games. There was a stretch from June 8th to June 30th where the only playing time he saw was as a <a href="http://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore/_/id/360617109">defensive replacement in a blowout</a> against the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a>. Through most of that, he was playing only as well as one could expect from a backup infielder. From the beginning of May through the end of July, Torreyes hit a measly .173/.259/.250. That was okay because he wasn’t expected to hit well, since his role on this team was just to be a backup. </p>
<p id="i9BWC3">In August though, Torreyes suddenly caught fire. Hitting .438/.471/.719, Torreyes started taking at-bats <a href="http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2016/08/yankees_chase_headley_unhappy_about_benching_repor.html">away from Headley</a>. As Gary Sanchez was trying to single-handedly bring the Yankees into postseason contention after selling, he’d need all the help he could get and unexpectedly Torreyes was part of that help! Once again though, Torreyes did return to his normal levels of hitting in September and October with a .176/.218/.216 slash line. </p>
<p id="5j4eZW">Outside of a stretch of games in April and August, Torreyes was largely useless with the bat. Yet he managed to stay on the roster for 162 games, which honestly might be the 2016 fact that impresses me the most. The reason he was able to stay on the roster so long is that he filled a need, and for his part he did that well. Sure the Yankees could probably stand to upgrade, but for a backup infielder, they could also do a lot worse. And seeing as he’s not even eligible for arbitration until 2019, Torreyes could end up being <a href="http://www.pinstripealley.com/2016/9/5/12793404/yankees-analysis-ronald-torreyes-utility-man-roster-long-term">here for a while</a>. And that’s okay. </p>
<p id="ApGXYV">The B- grade might be a little high looking at just his numbers, but Torreyes deserves some credit. There’s a reason he was able to stay on the roster as long as he did, and that’s because he did his job pretty much as expected. He comes to the park ready to play everyday and that even allowed him to hit is <a href="http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2016/08/watch_ronald_torreyes_hits_first_career_homer_mobb.html">first home run</a>.</p>
<blockquote><p id="IpfjfI">"My job is to come to the ballpark ready to play," Torreyes said. "Although I don't play every day, once I get an opportunity, I want to do my best."</p></blockquote>
<p id="puJu8e">Go Toe!</p>
<p id="UvNqjg"><em>*Season statistics provided by Baseball Reference, FanGraphs, and ESPN</em></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2016/10/25/13375570/2016-yankees-roster-report-card-ronald-torreyes-season-review-backup-infielderKunj Shah